Beta Glucan Baker’s Yeast Supplement May Help Boost Immunity Post-Workout

Vigorous workouts can weaken the immune system. A recent study suggests that taking a baker’s yeast beta glucan supplement may help boost immune health during and after strenuous exercise.

Participants in the study included 109 healthy adults with average fitness levels. Over the course of 10 days, they were given either 250 mg of a baker’s yeast beta glucan supplement or a placebo daily. At the end of the initial 10-day period, all of the participants performed a treadmill test. That was followed by a seven-day washout period before repeating the intervention cycle with the opposite intervention.

The supplement group produced 48% more of the cytokine interferon-gamma in the baker’s yeast beta glucan group than the placebo group. Interferon-gamma is a cytokine that is critical against viral, bacterial and protozoal infections. The supplement group also had a 43% and a 38% increase in circulating killer T-cells at the two and four hour marks, respectively, after exercise, when compared with the placebo gruop. In addition, the supplement group had a 27% and a 29% increase in circulating monocytes after exercise at two and four hours into recovery, respectively.

Researchers from the University of North Texas conducted the study. It was published on October 20, 2017, in Frontiers in Physiology.

Previous studies have linked beta-glucan intake with lower cholesterol, managing diabetes, controlling allergies and improving the appearance of skin.

Beta-glucan can be found in dietary sources including yeasts, algae, lichens, oats and barley. A high quality supplement is also a good option if you’re looking to increase your beta-glucan intake.